Multimedia network

Data communciations aboard a research vessel are of the utmost importance. Data-processing cannot be implemented without a highly efficient, open and well-developed network.

This communication network must not only offer the scientific community the full services available in any company, but it must also carry data collected by the ascoustic sensors located in the ship's hull and video images from the surveillance cameras.

Quick network overview:

Main network specifications:

Network head :

L'ATALANTE's local area multimedia network comprises the network head or head-end, located in the computing centre and cabling to all stations..

The architecture contains :

a real-time Ethernet segment for navigation,

a real-time Ethernet segment for video equipment,

an Ethernet segment for data transmission,

ports for external network (VICTOR 6000, SAR, ...),

a switch/router for the connection of all segments,

a router for access to land-based networks via INMARSAT-B,

adminstration by software.

The physical medium features :

stern to stern category 5 certification ,

twisted pair medium,

160 connection points,

RJ45 standard sockets,

star-shaped structure,

administration by software.

Real time subnetwork for navigation :

This was defined to provide the ship with maximum safety. It is essentially supports TS-CINNA central navigation composed of 3 sub-systems under Ethernet.
Under this subsystem, only the system's environmental data and external datagrams authorized by the filtering section are circulated. With this method, any disturbance will not affect the other subnetworks, and in particular, the equipment dedicated to postprocessing.

Real time network for data acquisition systems :

This section of Ethernet supports :

all the scientific acquistions and the ship-related techniques, in particular :

All these systems generate considerable traffic on this network. Just as in the navigation subnetwork, a filtering process has been defined to authorize only essential datagrams from outside the system.

Post-processing subnetwork :

All the equipment required for post-processing is connected to the navigation crew's PCs (service points, machines and electronics).

These principally include :

L'ATALANTE's server,

workstations and PCs for post-processing,

office PCs,

printers and plotters,

the crews' PCs.

Specialized equipment for surveys, if any, can also be connected to this network.

Highsplit broadband technology for graphic broadcasting

One of the great advantages of broadband networks is that they offer live video capabilities. On board it will be possible to consult several TV channels in order to display images from the monitoring TV cameras and submarine systems as well as produce synthetic images giving the most important data for the assignment underway ( navigation, meteorology, winch status, bathymetry, ... ). All of the data transmitted by the network will be accessible in every scientific and technical area on board ( including the cabins and the containers ) by means of standard plugs. Thus the users will be able to connect their PCs and have access to data saved in different workstations.

E-mail and data transmission with laboratories on land ::

Scientists and crew on board can use the system of electronic mail via the INMARSAT-B satellite. The equipment used is the same as that available in a land based laboratory.